HC to pronounce judgement in Kasab case on Feb 21

Mumbai, Feb 7 (PTI) The Bombay High Court today saidit would deliver its verdict on February 21 on confirmation ofdeath sentence awarded to Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab forhis role in the 26/11 terror attacks and also on his appealagainst his conviction.

Justices Ranjana Desai and R V More said that theywere ready with the judgement even today but because of bulkypaper work and heavy compilation they would pronounce theverdict a fortnight later.

On the same day the High Court would also pronounceits judgement on the appeal filed by Maharashtra Governmentchallenging acquittal of co-accused Faheem Ansari andSabauddin Ahmed in the same case. The trial court had set themfree on the ground that evidence against the duo was doubtful.

The judges today asked Government Counsel Ujjwal Nikamto make arrangements for video conference link in the courtfor Kasab on February 21 in case he wanted to hear the verdictfrom the Arthur Road Central jail where he is lodged.

However, Kasab''s lawyer Amin Solkar pleaded that thejudgement may be pronounced on February 28 as he was goingabroad and would not be able to remain present on February 21.

The judges expressed their inability to consider his requestand decided to give the verdict on February 21. (More) PTI SVSSK